2024-10-22 06:22:00
Rugby star Joseph Suaalii and La Rochelle player Will Skelton have been selected with the Wallabies for their tour of Europe.
Expensive Australian rugby union player Joseph Suaalii will make his debut for the Wallabies on their end-of-season tour, after being included in Joe Schmidt’s squad for tests against England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland this Tuesday.
The 21-year-old, who Schmidt says is likely to play at center or outside, could have been sent on tour to Britain with the Australia XV but was named in the Wallabies squad 34. “He’s a guy who works hard on his game and we want to give him the best guidance possible to try and get involved with the Wallabies.”Schmidt told reporters in Sydney.
“We decided that being in an environment where we could get to know him was probably the most beneficial for us and hopefully for Joseph and the team. Schmidt said there was some pressure to face Suaalii in the green and gold jersey, given Australia’s next Test after the tour will be against the British and Irish Lions next year..
“He has a real influence on the group”
“We don’t bring players into the team to learn, and certainly not for a full tour.”he said. “Maybe for a week or two, but hopefully there will be some integration into game time Suaalii is one of three players not called up to the squad, along with fly-half Tane Edmed, who has rekindled his Test ambitions with a team appearance. New Zealand National Provincial Championship and Harry Potter, English-born all-rounder.
Will Skelton, who captained Australia for part of last year’s ill-fated World Cup season, has also been recalled to the squad for the first time this year. The 32-year-old second rower missed the July Tests and Rugby Championship due to commitments to his French club La Rochelle, but has been in contact with Schmidt about returning to the Test arena. “He is very enthusiastic”Schmidt said. “He didn’t need convincing to play for the Wallabies. He is a very positive character and has a real influence on the group.
Powerful center Samu Kerevi is also expected to play his first Test of the year but Schmidt said neither he nor Skelton would be available to face Ireland with the match taking place outside the international window. There was no room for Marika Koroibete, the winger born in Fiji but who plays for Japanese clubs.
“He’s taking a break”Schmidt said. “He felt he wasn’t at his best (in rugby league). Other notable absentees include injured flankers Rob Leota and Liam Wright, as well as young fly-half Tom Lynagh, who will tour with Australian side XVs.
The Wallabies face England at Twickenham on November 9 before finishing their Grand Slam tour with visits to Cardiff, Edinburgh and Dublin on the following weekends. The 30-man, 15-man Australian squad was also named on Tuesday. They will face English club Bristol Bears on November 8 and England ‘A’ the following weekend.
Australian group
Before : Matt Faessler, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Angus Bell, Isaac Kailea, Will Skelton, Nick Frost, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Carlo Tizzano, Sere Uru, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Harry Wilson.
Rear : Nic White, Jake Gordon, Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Tane Edmed, Ben Donaldson, Samu Kerevi, Joseph Suaalii, Hunter Paisami, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter, Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen, Dylan Pietsch.
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